Had a ping of a spring

[rossjackson01]

Just had a ping of a spring on a Ladies Seikosha Solar. The 'click' spring went into orbit with the Seiko space programme. I have found a possible replacement in my spares. However it is too long, see the photograph. I can get it to fit into the allocated spot. But it needs only to be mid length into the gap before the click screw. Can anyone give me advice on how to safely shorten it.

Thank you Ross

[tomh207]

I’m sure someone will correct me if needed, I would use snips same as when shortening stems when new.

 

Tom

[rossjackson01]

3 minutes ago, tomh207 said:

I’m sure someone will correct me if needed, I would use snips same as when shortening stems when new.

 

Tom

Snips? Just done a search. Yup. Another item needed

Edited February 15, 2023 by rossjackson01

[tomh207]

Sorry, electronics slang, side or end cutters. Used for shortening stems, cutting wires etc.

 

Tom

[rossjackson01]

3 minutes ago, tomh207 said:

Sorry, electronics slang, side or end cutters. Used for shortening stems, cutting wires etc.

 

Tom

Any recommendations from ebay for me

Found some 

Mini end cutters. Same as Kalle uses.

Edited February 15, 2023 by rossjackson01

[tomh207]

These are cheap and cheerful, select the mini end cutters

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314085703369?hash=item4920f77ec9:g:qpEAAOSwWeJi3-lT&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoHPR7wJ%2BqujKgrtkR39roE66f%2BDSSuU%2FDxKIGq5%2F%2FdMwYjZZmQZw%2BOaNzUa2oDUeVQ15khVIeYv3RLE8GkzIGD7TV%2FAfE%2FpnbcyfWrSeMzCWysEdZ0ROhZk2044TiBnO55Czvg89EtzWb6OyzbaooiMpQlFS%2B%2FRjoGLOQ2C8nMxGdy24x4hgQ2RfEXSvhHt7sjQfTBsXh8DWL5JWVuLpUr8%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR4yKjOPKYQ

 

Tom

[rossjackson01]

Tom

Ordered. My Seikosha and I Thank you

[mikepilk]

If you don't want to wait, use the cutter part of some pliers. I suggest holding the spring in Rodico so that it too doesn't join the Swiss Space Program. 

[rossjackson01]

32 minutes ago, mikepilk said:

If you don't want to wait, use the cutter part of some pliers. I suggest holding the spring in Rodico so that it too doesn't join the Swiss Space Program. 

Thanks for the information Mike. Hadn't thought of the pliers or the Rodico. Should have used it at the outset.  I normally get so excited I just sail in. Did that today, hence the spring 'ping'. However, for once I'm going to do what I should do. Wait and make sure I'm right.

Ross

[mikepilk]

7 minutes ago, rossjackson01 said:

Thanks for the information Mike. Hadn't thought of the pliers or the Rodico. Should have used it at the outset.  I normally get so excited I just sail in. Did that today, hence the spring 'ping'. However, for once I'm going to do what I should do. Wait and make sure I'm right.

Ross

As they're so fine, you can cut them many ways, I have - pliers, scored with a knife ,or fine file, and snapped. The main thing is secure it so it doesn't ping off. Something soft like Rodico stops it pinging off.

I also recommend using Rodico when removing springs - stick a lump of Rodico on one end and lift with tweezers. The Rodico damps the "ping" and stops it flying.

[Nucejoe]

Oh,  you can find a dull nail clipper in the house. 

[RichardHarris123]

I hold springs down with a piece of sharpened peg wood. 

[rossjackson01]

3 hours ago, RichardHarris123 said:

I hold springs down with a piece of sharpened peg wood. 

My normal method. I removed the ratchet wheel. Saw the spring. Oh good! Ill pick up the peg wood. Spring. What spring!! Oh heck. 

[Waggy]

I use normal nail clippers to trim springs - works well for me

[mikepilk]

11 hours ago, RichardHarris123 said:

I hold springs down with a piece of sharpened peg wood. 

That's what I do, but until you get proficient, it's safer with Rodico

[Neverenoughwatches]

9 hours ago, rossjackson01 said:

My normal method. I removed the ratchet wheel. Saw the spring. Oh good! Ill pick up the peg wood. Spring. What spring!! Oh heck. 

Haha yes it happens the moment you take your eyes off,  the little buggers make a dash for it. I had two children like this so i grew a third eye in the back of my head. When i remember i place something over the springs location if i have to look away.  How about creating a perimeter magnet field net with a series of magnets surrounding the bench's edge ? 

[rossjackson01]

4 hours ago, Waggy said:

I use normal nail clippers to trim springs - works well for me

I'll try that. I have a spare spring.

Just done the Lighter fuel clean, then the IPA clean. Allowing time for all to dry. Just the jewels to lubricate next. Then to commence the rebuild.

2 hours ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

Haha yes it happens the moment you take your eyes off,  the little buggers make a dash for it. I had two children like this so i grew a third eye in the back of my head. When i remember i place something over the springs location if i have to look away.  How about creating a perimeter magnet field net with a series of magnets surrounding the bench's edge ? 

Believe it or not, I spent on hour with a large magnet covering the area locale. No luck. But did find screws. 

[RichardHarris123]

Watch parts obey quantum mechanics, there's only a probability of them being anywhere. 

[rossjackson01]

4 minutes ago, RichardHarris123 said:

Watch parts obey quantum mechanics, there's only a probability of them being anywhere. 

Did it make it to Leeds?

[RichardHarris123]

4 minutes ago, rossjackson01 said:

Did it make it to Leeds?

Yes. Leeds, Guyana. 

[mikepilk]

2 hours ago, rossjackson01 said:

Just done the Lighter fuel clean, then the IPA clean. Allowing time for all to dry. Just the jewels to lubricate next. Then to commence the rebuild.

Time to dry? That's very soon after an IPA rinse. I quick blast from a hairdryer ensures all is dry

[Neverenoughwatches]

2 hours ago, rossjackson01 said:

6 hours ago, Waggy said:

use normal nail clippers to trim springs - works well for me

I'll try that. I have a spare spring.

These are a great idea, they come in 2 sizes, ok for tightening up a cannon pinion as well. They have curved shaped cutting ends that are easy to sharpen with a miniature drum sander in a dremel tool.

[HectorLooi]

If you have a tendency to lose springs, it will be a good idea to learn how to make your own springs.

My mentor taught me to use guitar strings to fabricate my own springs. It takes a bit of practice but it has saved me hours of floorwork.

[rossjackson01]

1 hour ago, HectorLooi said:

If you have a tendency to lose springs, it will be a good idea to learn how to make your own springs.

My mentor taught me to use guitar strings to fabricate my own springs. It takes a bit of practice but it has saved me hours of floorwork.

Wow! Make a video for YouTube. I'll watch it

4 hours ago, mikepilk said:

Time to dry? That's very soon after an IPA rinse. I quick blast from a hairdryer ensures all is dry

I do the build at least a day after the IPA clean

[mikepilk]

3 hours ago, rossjackson01 said:

I do the build at least a day after the IPA clean

I'm keen, I do mine immediately after